February 17, 2013 - February 23, 2013

February 18, 2013

Long-time readers of EclectEcon know that I am what is called a Global-Warming Skeptic. Check the links here, for example.

I'm not a denier; I'm just not sure. For example, when I look at how far the Athabasca Glacier has receded, it is impossible to deny that at in some parts of the world average temperatures seem to have risen.

At the same time, I know there are parts of the world where ice continues to build up. And the year-to-year variation in temperatures is so big that discerning longer-term trends and cycles is quite difficult (sounds like economics!). Furthermore, the temperature evidence for so many years was being taken from weather stations that were located near expanding cities where temperatures tend to be higher even if global temperatures are not rising.

But anytime I would express skepticism, or anytime I would suggest maybe the costs due to global warming might be much less than the costs of trying to prevent it, I'd be met with assertions that "it is settled science."

Only 36 percent of geoscientists and engineers believe that humans are
creating a global warming crisis, according to a survey reported in the
peer-reviewed Organization Studies.
By contrast, a strong majority of the 1,077 respondents believe that
nature is the primary cause of recent global warming and/or that future
global warming will not be a very serious problem.

The survey results show geoscientists (also known as earth scientists)
and engineers hold similar views as meteorologists. Two recent surveys
of meteorologists (summarized here and here) revealed similar skepticism of alarmist global warming claims.